Oven rack operating mechanism

ABSTRACT

A conventional oven with an opening for access to the interior thereof usually has at least two pairs of flanges extending rearwardly along opposite sides of the interior of the oven for supporting movable racks. A door is hinged at the lower edge of the oven opening on horizontal pivot axes for vertical swinging movement to open and close the oven opening. At least one rack is positionable within the oven and supported by one of the flange pairs, and movable along same. A pair of mounting brackets are disposed on the inner wall of the door and on opposite edges thereof, and in close proximity to the horizontal axes. An operating arm is pivotally combined with each mounting bracket and disconnectably, pivotally combined with each rack to permit withdrawal of the rack upon opening the door and returning the rack upon closing the door.

Demetreon 1 Aug. 20, 1974 OVEN RACK OPERATING MECHANISM [76] Inventor: James Demetreon, 5704 Hillside Dr., Kansas City, Mo. 64151 22 Filed: July 16, 1973 21 Appl. No.:379,404

Primary Examiner-Edward G. Favors Attorney, Agent, or FirmLowe, Kokjer, Kircher, Wharton & Bowman [5 7 ABSTRACT A conventional oven with an opening for access to the interior thereof usually has at least two pairs of flanges extending rearwardly along opposite sides of the interior of the oven for supporting movable racks. A door is hinged at the lower edge of the oven opening on horizontal pivot axes for vertical swinging movement to open and close the oven opening. At least one rack is positionable within the oven and supported by one of the flange pairs, and movable along same. A pair of mounting brackets are disposed on the inner wall of the door and on opposite edges thereof, and in close proximity to the horizontal axes. An operating arm is pivotally combined with each mounting bracket and disconnectably, pivotally combined with each rack to permit withdrawal of the rack upon opening the door and returning the rack upon closing the door.

12 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures OVEN RACK OPERATING MECHANISM BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION For many years devices have been provided to withdraw oven racks from an oven upon the opening of the door thereto. Normally, these devices are of a very complex design and are part of the oven construction. That is, the racks are normally supported by sidewalls, movable into and out of the oven with the sidewall movement being initiated upon the opening of the oven door. Also, these designs often utilize complicated guides and followers or gear systems to withdraw the racks from the oven. Accordingly, once the oven has been constructed, there has been no way to change the oven to permit the withdrawal and return of oven racks by opening and closing the oven door.

My invention is utilized in an oven having pairs of flanges extending along opposite sides of the interior of the oven and a door capable of closing the oven opening and hinged at the lower edge of the oven opening on horizontal pivot axes for vertical swinging movement. Oven racks are positionable within the oven, supported by the flange pairs, and movable along the flange pairs. A pair of mounting brackets are disposed on the inner wall of the door and on opposite edges thereof, and in close proximity to the horizontal axes. An operating arm is pivotally combined with each mounting bracket and disconnectably, pivotally combined with each rack at opposite sides thereof to permit withdrawal of the rack upon opening the door and returning the rack upon closing the door.

A second embodiment of my invention is utilized in commercial ovens, which have a deeper throat than the ovens used in the home. Thus, the racks are longer and must be withdrawn further from the commercial oven to obtain the desired proportion of rack within to without the oven. Accordingly, a multiplier is pivotally connected to each bracket and the operating arms are pivotally combined with this multiplier and the oven racks thereby enabling the racks to be withdrawn to a greater extent.

One of the principal objects of my invention is to provide a unique device to withdraw oven racks from an oven without the necessity of redesigning or reconstructing the oven.

Another object of my invention is to provide a unique device for withdrawing and returning oven racks in an oven and to insure the level horizontal travel of the racks without causing an obstruction to the normal door movement.

Another object of my invention is to provide a unique device for withdrawing the leading edge of oven racks in an oven to a point more distant from the oven than the bracket combined with the door.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a unique device for withdrawing oven racks from a commercial oven and to obtain the desired proportion of the rack and the outside thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide a unique device for moving oven racks simultaneously with the oven door, said device having uniquely constructed arms which permit simple adjustment and the easy removal thereof.

These and other objects of the invention, together with the features of novelty appurtenant thereto,'will appear in the course of the following description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF'THE INVENTION In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are employed to indicate like parts in various views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the present invention being connected to an ovendoor and combined with oven racks;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. I with the oven door being open and the racks withdrawn from the oven;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the oven door being closed and the racks returned to the oven;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view taken along lines 44 in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 2 with certain portions deleted;

FIG. 4a is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment for interconnecting the operating arms with the door;

FIG. 4b is a side elevational view (of FIG. 4a) of the upper portion of the door brackets and forward looped end portions of the operating arms interconnected therewith;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a second embodiment of the present invention used in commercial ovens with the oven door in the closed position and showing the operation in broken lines when opening the door;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 with the oven door being open and the racks withdrawn from the oven; and

FIG. 7 is a view taken along lines 7-7 in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 6.

Turning now to the drawings and with special reference to FIGS. 1-4, the oven 10 comprises a top 12, a bottom 14, opposite side walls 16, and a rear wall 18. Extending along opposite side walls 16 are pairs of flanges 20 with each pair being substantially equidistant from and parallel to bottom 14. The front end of oven 10 has a vertical opening which is adapted to be closed by door 22, same being pivoted at its lower corners about hinges 24. Also, support braces 26 have been provided for supporting door 22 relative to oven 10.

Racks 28 are positionable within oven 10 and may be of any suitable construction, but as shown, each rack 28 has a front cross rod 30, middle cross rod 32, and a rear cross rod 34 that are connected by longitudinal side rods 36, and article supporting wires 38 mounted on cross rods 30, 32 and 34. An L shaped member 40 (FIGS. 2 and 3) is attached to rear cross rod 34 with the lower portion of member 40 directed toward wall 16 and the vertical portion of member 40 being of sufficient length to allow the lower portion of member 40 to pass beneath the lower edge of flange 20,'thereby preventing rack 28 from tipping'when the articles to be heated are placed toward the front of the rack. A substantially horizontal U-shaped member42 is weldedly connected to each side rod 36 between middle and rear cross rods 32 and 34 respectively. A foreand aftupwardly extending hooks 44 and 46, respectively, are connected to the fore and aft portions of member'42 and shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

A pair of mounting brackets 48 (with each bracket 48 having a base end 50 anda pivot end 52) are connected by base 50 to the inner wall on opposite lower edges of door 22 in close proximity to hinges 24. As shown in FIG. 2, pivot end 52 of each bracket 48 extends higher than a rack 28 on the lowest pair of flanges 20. Further, brackets 48 are positioned to extend between side rods 36 and supporting rods 38. Therefore, each bracket 48 is constructed to attain the desired height and not interfere with the movement of rack 28 upon opening or closing door 22. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, these attributes may be obtained by angling bracket 48 to reach the desired pivot end 52. Alternately a bracket may rise vertically and then extend horizontally to the desired location (FIG. 6) or a bracket may be used in the form of an are (not shown) to locate the desired pivot end 52 of each bracket 48.

A first operating arm 54 is pivotally connected to pivot end 52 on one side of each bracket 48. Arm 54 (FIG. 2) comprises a first section 56, second section 58, third section 60, and a looped end portion 62 for connection with either hook 44 or 46. Sections 56, 58 and 60 are substantially however angled with respect to each other thereby changing the direction of these sections. This arrangement is necessary to prevent inadvertant engagement of arm 54 with middle cross rod 32, thusly permitting rack 28 to be withdrawn from oven in a substantially level movement. As seen in FIG. 2, the first section 56 will be located above the upper surface of the lower rack 28 and will permit the cook to easily change positions or remove arm 59 from hook 46 without reaching under the hot rack. Also angled section 58 avoids the middle cross rod (if any) 32 during door closure.

A second operating arm 64 is pivotally connected to pivot end 52 on the side of bracket 48 opposite to the side arm 54 is on. The forward end portion of arm 64 comprises a short parallel section 66, short transverse section 68 and from thence to the formation of a long, straight section 70 with a looped aft end 72 formed therein for connection with either hook 44 or 46 on rack 28. Short sections 66 and 68 of arm 64 are formed in this manner to permit arm 64 to be disengaged from bracket 48 and yet permit arm 64 to pivot about bracket 48.

In operation, bottom rack 28 is placed on a pair of flanges with side rods 36 slidably engaged on the upper surface of flange 20 and stabilizing member 40 positioned below flange 20. Each bracket 48 (with first arm 54 pivotally connected therewith) is positioned and attached to the inner side of door 22. Loop 62 of first arm 54 is then engaged with each hook 46. Second arm 64 is connected to each bracket 48 and loop 72 is engaged with each hook 44. Each bracket 48, first arm 54, and second arm 64 will be in the positions shown in FIG. 3 when door 22 is closed with racks 28 returned to oven 10. Although loops 62 and 72 have been designated as being engaged with hooks 46 and 44 respectively, it should be understood that racks 28 may be withdrawn and returned in oven 10 should loop 62 and 72 be engaged with either hook 44 or 46. Further, the specific location and shape of brackets 48 cause same to be moved in an are that initiates the rearward movement of the racks via the cooperating arms 54 and 64 before the inner surface of the door contacts the racks and obstructs normal door closure.

More particularly, the angled shape of the brackets 48 with respect to the inner surface of door 22 permit the door to be closed, lower rack 28 to be moved inwardly into the oven and the forward cross rod 30 of lower rack 28 will not provide an obstacle to the normal door closure. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 the base of bracket 48 is located nearer to door hinge 24 then the pivot end 52 with the pivot end extending outwardly and above the horizontal plane of the rack and with the bracket structure being located within the confines of the forward cross rod 30. Accordingly, as door 22 is swung on hinges 24, brackets 48 move in an arcuate path within the outer reach of forward rack cross rod 30 thereby forcing the lower rack 28 inwardly via arms 54 until the rack is fully located interiorly of oven 10. It is important to note that the angular (or offset) shape of the brackets 48 permit the full forward withdrawing of the rack while at the same time allowing for door closure with the brackets 48 extending in an unobstructing fashion through the rack rods without contorting the forward cross rod 30.

Turning now to an alternative arrangement of bracket 48 and the associated rack moving rods 54 and 64, (see FIG. 4a) a pair of brackets 148 is indicated therein with each bracket 148, having a base end 150 and a pivot end 152. These brackets (148) are connected in a similar manner by base .150 to the inner wall on opposite lower edges of door 22 in close proximity to hinges 24. Each bracket 148 will be in general the same size and shape as brackets 48, except for pivot end 152. A first tab 154 in the general shape of a T is connected by the base of the T to pivot end 152 of each bracket 148. A second tab 156 also in the general shape of a T is connected by the base of the T to pivot end 152 of each bracket 148 on the side of bracket 148 away from tab 154. Tabs 154 and 156 extend substantially parallel to door 22 with tab 154 directed outwardly and tab 156 directed inwardly of the interior of oven 10. The distance between the base and top of T- shaped tabs 154 and 156 will be explained in greater detail hereinafter.

The first and second operating arms 54 and 64 are constructed substantially as described above with the exception of that portion of arms 54 and 64 that pivotally connect with each bracket 148. A first loop 158 is formed with the end of first section 56 of first arm 54 and a second loop 160 is formed with the end of straight section 70 of second arm 64. Loops 158 and 160 have a sufficient diameter to permit passage of the top of T shaped tabs 154 and 156, respectively. Also loops 158 and 160 may be smaller than the top of the T thereby requiring one of the loops to pass over the T and pushed at an angle over the other T half. The distance between the base and top of T-shaped tabs 154 and 156 is sufficient to permit relatively free pivotal movement of circlets 158 and 160 about the riser of T- shaped tabs 154 and 156.

In operation, racks 28 will be positioned as described above. Each bracket 148 is positioned and attached to the inner surface of door 22. Loop 62 of first arm 58 is engaged with each hook 44 and circlet 160 is engaged with T-shaped tab 160 of each bracket 148. Although the order of engaging the individual arms to the bracket is not critical and may be changed, the remainder of the operation remains unchanged from that described in relation to the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. l-4.

Turning now to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-7, oven 10 with pairs of flanges 20, doors 22 first embodiment is capable of doing. To accomplish this result, a pair of mounting brackets 74 with each bracket 74 having a base end 76 and a pivot end 78 are connected by base 76 to the inner wall on opposite lower edges of door 22 in close proximity to hinges 24.

As described above, each bracket 74 has a section rising vertically and then extends horizontally to the desired location. However, it should be understood that the other forms of bracket 48 discussed above may be used.

A multiplier lever 80 having pivot points 82, 84, 86 and 88 is pivotally connected at pivot point 84 of multiplier 80 and pivot end 78 of each bracket 74. A retaining arm 90 pivotally interconnects pivot point 82 to side wall 16 of oven 10. A first operating arm 92 pivotally connected to pivot point 88, is of similar construction as arm 54 including a loop 94 for connection with either hook 44 or 46 on rack 28. A second operating arm 96, pivotally connected to pivot point 86, comprises a straight section 98, obtuse angled section 100, and a loop 102 formed at the end of section 100 for connecting with either hook 44 or 46 of rack 28.

In operation, racks 28 would be positioned in oven 10 as before mentioned. Loop 94 of first operating arm 92 would be disengagably connected to hook 44 of bottom rack 28 and loop 102 of second operating arm 96 would be disengagably connected to hook 44 of rack 28. Each bracket 74, multiplier 80, retaining arm 90, first operating arm 92, and second operating arm 96 will be in the positions shown in FIG. 6 when door 22 is opened with racks 28 withdrawn from oven 10 and in the positions shown in FIG. 5 when door 22 is closed with racks 28 returned to oven 10. The broken drawing in FIG. 5 is to illustrate the operational positioning of the aforementioned separate elements.

As noted in FIGS. 5 and 6, the swinging of door 22 from the open to the closed position results in brackets 74 pulling multiplier link 80 upwardly and inwardly to force operating rods 92 and 94 to the rear along with the associated interconnected racks. When door 22 is opened, the reverse operation results with racks 28 being extended further than possible with the arrangement shown in FIGS. l-4. However, all embodiments optimally locate the brackets for swinging arcuately in a path contemplated to effect unobstructed door opening or closing while at the same time applying adequate force on the racks to properly move same. Therefore, the offset shape of bracket 74 and the pivotal interconnection of retaining arm 90 and multiplier 80 effect the extended outward movement of the lower rack 28 but further insures proper door closure. As mentioned above, the location of the bracket base, the length of the offset and the pivot points all cooperate to form the unique structure.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed withinvention without departing from the scope thereof, it

is to be understood thatall matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense;

Having thus described my invention 1 claim:

1. An apparatus for the withdrawal and return of oven racks in an oven, comprising:

an oven provided with an opening for access to the interior of said oven and having at least one pair of flanges extending inwardly along opposite sides of the interior of said oven;

a door hinged substantially at the lower edge of the oven opening on horizontal pivot axes for vertical swinging movement to open and close said oven opening;

at least one rack positionable within said oven and supported by said flange pair and movable along said flange pairs;

a pair of mounting brackets disposed on the inner wall of said door and on opposite edges thereof and in close proximity to said horizontal axes;

an operating arm pivotally combined with each said mounting brackets, said arm being disconnectable without the use of special tools and pivotally combined with each said rack at opposite sides thereof to permit withdrawal of said rack upon closing said door and said brackets having a base end portion and a pivot end portion, said base end portion being located nearer to the lower edge of said oven door than said pivot end portion, said bracket thereby having a shape that extends outwardly from the inner surface of the door towards the upper door edge.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pivotal combination of said operating arm with said bracket lies in a plane above the lowermost flange pair with said door in an open position, each of said brackets and operating arms being constructed so that when said rack is positioned on said lowermost flange pair, the front edge of said rack may be withdrawn past said last mentioned pivotal combination without interfering with said rack in the withdrawal operation.

3. The invention of claim 1, including a second rack positionable within said oven and supported by separate flange pairs; and

an operating arm pivotally combined with each said mounting brackets, said arm being disconnectable without the use of special tools and pivotally combined with said second rack at opposite sides thereof to permit withdrawal of both said racks upon opening said door and returning said racks upon closing said door.

4. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said pivot end portions of said brackets extend through said rack when said door is opened and said rack has a portion thereof extending exteriorly of said oven, said brackets and said arms cooperating to effect the withdrawal brackets has an outer edge connecting said base end portion with said pivot end portion, an upper portion -of' said outer edge being capable of extending above a lowermost rack when said door is closed, said outer edge continuing in a path from said pivot end portion to said base portion below the horizontal plane of the lowermost rack.

6. The apparatus as in claim wherein said rack has a projection extending from each side portion thereof, said projections located a preselected distance from the forward edge of said rack, each one of said arms having a means on the rearward end portion thereof for detachably connecting same with one of said corresponding projections, said connecting arms being a preselected length and cooperating with said location and shape of said brackets to withdraw said rack a preselected distance from said oven when said door is opened.

7. The combination as in claim 5 wherein said pivot end portion of each of said brackets has a tab extending therefrom, the forward end portions of said arms having a means thereon for detachably connecting said arm with a corresponding tab.

8. The invention of claim 1, including a multiplier means pivotally connected to each said brackets, said arms being pivotally connected to said multiplier means, said multiplier means being located for enabling said racks to be withdrawn to a greater extent than without said multiplier.

9. The combination as in claim 8 wherein said pivot end portions of said brackets extend through said rack when said door is opened and said rack has a portion thereof extending exteriorly of said oven, said brackets and said arms cooperating to effect the withdrawal movement of said rack as said door is opened.

10. The combination as in claim 8 wherein each of said brackets has an outer edge connecting said base end portion with said pivot end portion, an upper portion of said outer edge being capable of extending above a lowermost rack when said door is closed, said outer edge continuing in a path from said pivot end portion to said base portion below the horizontal plane of the lowermost rack.

11. The combination as in claim 10 wherein said rack has a projection extending from each side portion thereof, said projections located a preselected distance from the forward edge of said rack, each one of said arms having a means on the rearward end portion thereof for detachably connecting same with one of said corresponding projections, said connecting arms being a preselected length and cooperating with said location and shape of said brackets to withdraw said rack a preselected distance from said oven when said door is opened.

12. The combination as in claim 10 wherein said pivot end portion of each of said brackets has a tab extending therefrom, the forward end portions of said arms having a means thereon for detachably connecting said arm with a corresponding tab. 

1. An apparatus for the withdrawal and return of oven racks in an oven, comprising: an oven provided with an opening for access to the interior of said oven and having at least one pair of flanges extending inwardly along opposite sides of the interior of said oven; a door hinged substantially at the lower edge of the oven opening on horizontal pivot axes for vertical swinging movement to open and close said oven opening; at least one rack positionable within said oven and supported by said flange pair and movable along said flange pairs; a pair of mounting brackets disposed on the inner wall of said door and on opposite edges thereof and in close proximity to said horizontal axes; an operating arm pivotally combined with each said mounting brackets, said arm being disconnectable without the use of special tools and pivotally combined with each said rack at opposite sides thereof to permit withdrawal of said rack upon closing said door and said brackets having a base end portion and a pivot end portion, said base end portion being located nearer to the lower edge of said oven door than said pivot end portion, said bracket thereby having a shape that extends outwardly from the inner surface of the door towards the upper door edge. Pg,13
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pivotal combination of said operating arm with said bracket lies in a plane above the lowermost flange pair with said door in an open position, each of said brackets and operating arms being constructed so that when said rack is positioned on said lowermost flange pair, the front edge of said rack may be withdrawn past said last mentioned pivotal combination without interfering with said rack in the withdrawal operation.
 3. The invention of claim 1, including a second rack positionable within said oven and supported by separate flange pairs; and an operating arm pivotally combined with each said mounting brackets, said arm being disconnectable without the use of special tools and pivotally combined with said second rack at opposite sides thereof to permit withdrawal of both said racks upon opening said door and returning said racks upon closing said door.
 4. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said pivot end portions of said brackets extend through said rack when said door is opened and said rack has a portion thereof extending exteriorly of said oven, said brackets and said arms cooperating to effect the withdrawal movement of said rack as said door is opened.
 5. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein each of said brackets has an outer edge connecting said base end portion with said pivot end portion, an upper portion of said outer edge being capable of extending above a lowermost rack when said door is closed, said outer edge continuing in a path from said pivot end portion to said base portion below the horizontal plane of the lowermost rack.
 6. The apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said rack has a projection extending from each side portion thereof, said projections located a preselected distance from the forward edge of said rack, each one of said arms having a means on the rearward end portion thereof for detachably connecting same with one of said corresponding projections, said connecting arms being a preselected length and cooperating with said location and shape of said brackets to withdraw said rack a preselected distance from said oven when said door is opened.
 7. The combination as in claim 5 wherein said pivot end portion of each of said brackets has a tab extending therefrom, the forward end portions of said arms having a means thereon for detachably connecting said arm with a corresponding tab.
 8. The invention of claim 1, including a multiplier means pivotally connected to each said brackets, said arms being pivotally connected to said multiplier means, said multiplier means being located for enabling said racks to be withdrawn to a greater extent than without said multiplier.
 9. The combination as in claim 8 wherein said pivot end portions of said brackets extend through said rack when said door is opened and said rack has a portion thereof extending exteriorly of said oven, said brackets and said arms cooperating to effect the withdrawal movement of said rack as said door is opened.
 10. The combination as in claim 8 wherein each of said brackets has an outer edge connecting said base end portion with said pivot end portion, an upper portion of said outer edge being capable of extending above a lowermost rack when said door is closed, said outer edge continuing in a path from said pivot end portion to said base portion below the horizontal plane of the lowermost rack.
 11. The combination as in claim 10 wherein said rack has a projection extending from each side portion thereof, said projections located a preselected distance from the forward edge of said rack, each one of said arms having a means on the rearward end portion thereof for detachably connecting same with one of said corresponding projections, said connecting arms being a preselected length and cooperating with said location and shape of said brackets to withdraw said rack a preselected distance from said oven when said door is opened.
 12. The combination as in claim 10 wherein said pivot end portion of each of said Brackets has a tab extending therefrom, the forward end portions of said arms having a means thereon for detachably connecting said arm with a corresponding tab. 